I wrote you a long time ago—but have never had a line in answer from you—in the common course of Ceremony this should prevent me from writing you again till your debt is discharged—but I neither understand nor am inclined to such ceremonious accountantship.

You would hear the issue of my last attendance at Granville—my returning to the charge was unexpected by myself till the day before I set off—which was in consequence of particular immediate instruction—The Pleadings took a new turn from which reason you could have been of no assistance to me—I have heard very little with regard to this affair of late—and to say the truth have not taken much concern in it—but believe the plan of proceedure is altered—I have not seen any propriety in attending this Court.

I have not—from various reasons—had it in my power to visit you this summer or fall—and the same with some additional causes have prevented all that application we Intended to my Law preparatory—Without any assistance or society to lighten the way or with whom to communicate ideas—and without opportunity of receiving explanation or instruction from the experienced—New Berne is but a bad place for such studies—I wish things would turn so that I might pass some time with you at Hillsborough.

I am obliged now to return to New Bern where the Governor is soon expected.

A Mr McNeil came here the other day from Virginia—he informed us that at Baltimore a vessel from England having some tea in her cargo the people have burnt both tea and ship—and that the Bostonians have proposed to the Congress to burn their town in order to distress the military—The Congress did not approve but notwithstanding the measure is still intended—& they are now busy in drawing out Estimates of the value of the houses &c—in order to raise a general contribution for the loss at some future time.